A farmtrip (Familiarization Trip) is again held by the Ministry Of Tourism for Malaysian tourism entrepreneurs, titled 'Wonderful Indonesia Journey,' to promote exotic tourist destinations in East Java to tourists in the neighboring country.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Ministry of Tourism has once again held a farmtrip (Familiarization Trip) for Malaysian tourism entrepreneurs, titled ‘Wonderful Indonesia Journey’.

to promote exotic tourist destinations in East Java to Malaysian tourists.

The Deputy for Marketing at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, in a statement in Jakarta on Friday (November 14, 2025), said that the famtrip took place from November 11–14, 2025, in collaboration with several parties.

Some of those involved include the East Java Tourism Office, the Batu City Tourism Office, the Surabaya City Culture, Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office, Jiwa Jawa Bromo, Jatim Park Group, Singhasari Resort, Bawangan Hotel and Resto Bromo, and several other stakeholders.

"Through this 'Wonderful Indonesia Journey' activity, we want to strengthen the relationship and collaboration between the Indonesian tourism industry and partners in Malaysia. East Java has a comprehensive range of advantages, from natural beauty and cultural richness to continuously developing man-made tourism," Ni Made Ayu Marthini said.

Made explained that throughout 2025, the Ministry of Tourism has implemented various tourism promotion programs for the Malaysian market.

The programs included an Introductory Tour for Malaysian Tourists/Tourists in Jakarta–Bandung on June 24–28, 2025, in collaboration with ASITA West Java Regional Representative Council; Business Matching activities in Penang, Ipoh, and Kuala Lumpur on July 29–31, 2025; participation in the MATTA Fair international exhibition in Kuala Lumpur on September 5–7, 2025; and a farmtrip for Malaysian TA/TOs in West Sumatra from October 27–31, 2025.

On the farmtrip, the Ministry of Tourism brought seven Travel Agents/Tour Operators (TA/TO) from Kuala Lumpur to visit Batu, Malang, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area, and the city of Surabaya.

As of September 2025, 1,955,166 Malaysian tourists had visited Indonesia, or approximately 72 percent of the target, making Malaysia the largest contributor of foreign tourists to Indonesia.

Proximity, cultural similarities, and affordable luxury are factors driving the high interest of Malaysian tourists in exploring Indonesian destinations.

Based on 2024 visit data, Malaysia is the main market for foreign tourists for East Java, with a total of 94,051 tourists.

This figure reflects the strong interest of Malaysian tourists in the natural beauty, cultural richness, and hospitality of the East Javanese people.

"This was a consideration in selecting the destinations for this famtrip," Made said, emphasizing that East Java is a clear example of a destination ready to advance to the next level in tourism management.

"From Bromo, Batu, to Surabaya, we see a strong commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Upgrading tourism in East Java means providing a more competitive, environmentally friendly experience that benefits local people. That is the new direction for Indonesian tourism," she noted.

To encourage increased tourist visits and economic growth in the tourism sector, the famtrip also featured a mini-tabletop meeting, bringing together East Java tourism industry players and Malaysian buyers.

Made hopes the mini-tabletop meeting would open up opportunities for sustainable relationships and potential business transactions between the Malaysian and East Java tourism industries.

"Through this event, Malaysian TA/TO agents can package their experiences in the form of new tour packages and updated tourism products for the Malaysian market to visit Indonesia," Made said.

The event also aligns with the global Wonderful Indonesia #GoBeyondOrdinary campaign initiated by the Ministry of Tourism.

"Through this campaign, we hope to bring Malaysian tourists closer to the many charms of Indonesia through unique, authentic, and meaningful travel experiences, while also inspiring them to explore more destinations in the country," Made said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window